Aldi has announced a £5 billion investment in British farming and food production through a series of long-term agreements with UK suppliers.
The supermarket said the deals will give farmers and producers greater certainty to invest in their businesses while helping strengthen British food supply chains.
The agreements, which typically last at least two years, cover fresh fruit and veg, dairy, meat and eggs, with Aldi aiming to source 50% of its domestic produce through long-term agreements by the end of 2027.
The move includes a £1.1 billion commitment to British egg production over the next five years.
As part of its push to champion home-grown food, Aldi has also teamed up with farmer and TV personality Harriet Cowan to encourage shoppers to buy more British-grown fruit and vegetables.
It comes as new research found many shoppers do not realise vegetables including cucumbers, courgettes and aubergines can all be grown in the UK.
The poll of 2,000 adults found that while 80% say supporting British farmers is important to them, only 27% actively consider whether fruit and vegetables are grown in Britain when deciding what to buy.*
Harriet Cowan said: “I’m passionate about highlighting the brilliant work British farmers do to bring high-quality food to our tables.
“I’ve loved teaming up with Aldi to learn more about the fruit and veg we grow here in the UK and to shine a light on what’s in season.”
Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, said: “British suppliers are at the heart of our business.
“These long-term agreements give farmers and producers the confidence to plan ahead, invest in their operations and build resilient supply chains.”
Among Aldi’s long-term partnerships is Kent-based grower AC Goatham & Son, its sole supplier of British apples, through a dedicated “Aldi Orchard” supplying stores nationwide.
To help shoppers make the most of British produce, Harriet has also picked a series of seasonal recipes, including Creamy Pea and Pesto Pasta Skillet, Pork Tenderloin with Rhubarb Sauce, Beef and Pepper Stir Fry, and Hot Honey Carrots. Recipes are available at: www.aldi.co.uk/harrietcowan
